The Gram Sabha is a wonderful exercise in democracy at the grassroots lelel. I take it thatthis Gram Sabha took place in Moira ? When I first came to Goa nearly 14 years ago, my neighbors urged me to attend the GramSabha meeting in Socorro. I was not an Indian National at the time and hence not on the voters list. The Sarpanch chairing the meeting knew me well, and was aware of my status, but allowed me to participate. I even expressed my views about the messy garbage situation in Socorro at the time. As I recall the Gram Sabha meeting it was a raucous affair, with the Panch members squirming uncomfortably in their podium seats. There was a contingent of lathi wielding policemen outside the venue, in case trouble broke out. Attendees expressed their ire on various issues in thevillage. It was a true exercise in democracy with citizens interacting directly with their locally elected leaders. I was impressed. A book was passed around for attendees to sign but it was not offered to me because the staff of the Panchayat were aware that I was a "foreigner". At that juncture, I left the Gram Sabha. >From Augusto's report, it is evident that things have not changed over the >years even though this is in a different venue from the one that I attended. Garbage was an issue that bothered me. I expressed m displeasure to then CM, Parrikarabout the trash strewn along Highway 17 which is the main thoroughfare between Panjjim(or Ponje or Panaji) and Mapusa. This was at an NRI convention perhaps in 2002.Mr. Parrikar promised action within 7 days. He kept his word and on the 7th day the highwaywas litter-free. But on the 8th day onwards little by little the litter increased. The good news is that in recent years I see a gang of workers collecting and bagging the litter along Highway 17. It is markedly cleaner than how I remember it being. In our Socorrovillage, thanks to our dynamic MLA Rohan Khaunte, we now have daily door to door garbage pick up. It I managed by the Panchayat and a fee of Rs. 200/- per annum is tagged on to theannual House Tax, to defray this expense. This is a small price to pay for this great service.Perhaps the Moidekars will take note.
